Pelican Island
Vero Beach, FL 32963-9446
Plan Your Visit
Our public use areas are located on the Historic Jungle Trail, in Indian River County off of U.S highway A1A, 3.7 miles north of the Wabasso Beach Road (CR 510) or 3.3 miles south of Sebastian Inlet. Interpretive exhibits are located at our trailheads and along our trails. A restroom is available at the trailhead to Birds Impoundment Trail. The Refuge public use areas are open daily, from 7:30 am until sunset.
Driving Directions
From I-95, take exit 156 to County Road 512/Sebastian BLVD. Make a right on 90th Avenue (which will transition to 85th Street). Continue straight onto County Road 510 towards A1A. At A1A, turn left (north). In 3.8 miles, turn left onto Jungle Trail. 2 Pelican Island NWR Parking Lots and access to hiking trails are along this route.
11455 Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL 32963 is the address of the Centennial Trail.
Activities
Get Involved
Make new friends, give back to the community you love and the world you live in and get as much back in return as you put in as a volunteer.
Volunteering
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge greatly appreciates the men and women who make up our highly committed team of volunteers. We are always looking for dedicated people who possess a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets to join our team. Volunteers at the refuge assist staff in a variety of endeavors including grounds and equipment maintenance, clerical assistance, specific biological and habitat projects, and visitor outreach and engagement. Volunteer opportunities are variable and seasonally dependent.
New volunteers take part in introductory duties and training experiences to become acquainted with how the Refuge System works while familiarizing themselves with the unique environmental and historical features of the refuge. Talents and skills will be matched with volunteer interests and opportunities.
To find out more about our volunteer program or to sign up for a scheduled activity please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
To learn about volunteer opportunities on refuges throughout the United States, visit Volunteer.gov.
About
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Indian River Lagoon estuary and was established in 1903 as the nation's first national wildlife refuge. It protects vital habitats for thousands of species, including the federally protected green sea turtle and Florida manatee. The refuge is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Wetland of International Importance, and includes the smallest unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System.